GEL BAITS FOR CONTROLLING HARMFUL INSECT

The invention relates to gel baits for controlling harmful insects, particularly cockroaches. The invention further relates to the use of such baits, to methods of preparing such baits and to a method for controlling harmful insects, particularly cockroaches.

BACKGROUND

Cockroaches are not only undesirable pests but a threat to human health by consuming our food and contaminating the indoor environment.

Cockroaches are known to transfer disease pathogens, such as the various bacteria that produce "food poisoning" in humans, by contaminating food, food preparation surfaces, dishes and eating utensils. How many human gastrointestinal disorders are attributed to the mechanical transmission of pathogens by cockroaches has not been fully assessed, but remains a valid health concern. However, the cockroach's greatest impact on human health may be its ability to trigger asthma. Cockroach nymphs grow by periodically shedding their "skin" (the exoskeleton). Fragments of their exoskeletons, along with bits of cockroach feces, serve as antigens (foreign protein) that, when inhaled, cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.

The most frequent species of cockroaches that can be found in urban and residential areas are Blattella germanica (otherwise known as German cockroach or B. germanicd), Blatta o entalis (otherwise known as Oriental cockroach or B. o entalis), Supella longipalpa (otherwise known as brownbanded cockroach or 5. longipalpa) and Pe planeta Americana (otherwise known as American cockroach or P. Americana).

Of these species, the one that has the greatest potential for becoming persistent and troublesome is the German cockroach, which prefers indoor locations.

Several species of cockroaches live inside structures. Most domestic cockroaches are of tropical origin and the German cockroach, for one, cannot survive temperate winters outdoors. All are primarily nocturnal. All prefer warm, moist places where they can feed on human and pet foods, decaying and fermenting matter, and a variety of other items.

Blattella germanica, is the most common indoor species, especially in multiple-family dwellings. They prefer food preparation areas, kitchens, and bathrooms because they favor warm ( 23°to 25°C), humid areas that are close to food and water. Severe infestations may spread to other parts of buildings. This species reproduces the fastest of the common pest cockroaches: a single female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals in a year, but many succumb to cannibalism and other population pressures. Egg laying occurs more frequently during warm weather. The female carries around a light tan egg case. Blatta o entalis is the so-called "waterbug" of basements, crawlspaces and garages. It lives in cooler habitats with plenty of moisture - even outdoors around foundations in leaves and mulch where it can survive temperate winters. As a result, the Oriental cockroach's development is slower. They require an average of 18 months to progress from egg to adult, while the German cockroach averages only two months to adulthood. In addition, the Oriental's egg case contains 16 eggs, compared to the German's 30 to 40 eggs per case. After being detached from the female, eggs inside the Oriental cockroach's egg case require an average of two months to hatch.

Blatta o entalis also differs in appearance. Newly hatched nymphs are brown and become blackish as they grow. Adults are up to 1 ¼ inches long with wide, flat bodies and no distinguishing markings. Males have wings that cover about half of the abdomen and females have only wing stubs; neither sex can fly.

Supella longipalpa is slightly smaller than German cockroaches and more colorful. Males are a golden orange color with a broad band of dark brown. They can fly, with wings that cover their abdomens. Females are darker overall, with lighter bands on the abdomen. They have shorter wings and cannot fly. Nymphs are dark with cream-colored bands behind the head, and are golden orange over much of the abdomen. Nymphs and adults may jump when disturbed. This cockroach is sometimes encountered indoors, but it prefers higher temperatures (about 30°C ) than the much more common German cockroach. It loves the warmth of electronics, motor housings, light fixtures, and ceilings. When German cockroaches are found in nonfood areas (such as bedrooms), this may indicate a heavy infestation, lack of hiding places, or use of a repellent pesticide but such harboring in nonfood areas is typical of the brownbanded cockroach.

Pe planeta ame cana is a large species, up to 2 inches long. It is reddish brown, but lighter around the edges of the thorax. Adults have wings extending to the end of the body. They can fly in temperatures above 35 °C. American cockroaches are less common in homes than German cockroaches. They prefer sewers and boiler rooms, basements and steam tunnels in commercial establishments, especially where food is processed or prepared.

Pe planeta amehcana develops much slower than the German cockroaches. Pehplaneta amehcana's egg case contains 14 eggs to 16 eggs. Females deposit them, often near food sources, where the eggs typically hatch in about 45 days. Average time from egg to adult is about 15 months. Nevertheless, large populations can develop under favorable conditions.

Managing cockroaches is not easy. Cockroach infestations are rarely eliminated by using only one method of control, for example, by insecticide application alone. Similarly, infestations are rarely eliminated by the use of only one pesticide product without follow-up inspections and treatment.

Where long-term management or elimination is the goal, the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be applied. Beginning with inspection, all effective means of non- chemical control should be utilized, including exclusion and sanitation.

A thorough inspection requires use of a good flashlight and often other tools, such as a mechanic's mirror for inspecting voids difficult to access, probing tools, and a flushing agent (typically an aerosol containing pyrethrins). Inspect for signs of cockroach activity, such as dark speckling found where German cockroaches gather. Others signs include cockroach consumption of foods and the presence of cockroach egg cases and shed "skins." These signs of infestation can help pinpoint where the cockroaches are living. The use of monitoring traps ("sticky traps") also can reveal valuable information by helping to locate areas of cockroach activity. The use of such monitoring techniques should continue even after cockroaches are believed to be eliminated. Leaving traps in place and checking them regularly can help confirm elimination, and give early warning of the presence of new cockroaches in time to control them before the population builds.

Baits are a preferred type of formulation used in urban pest management, especially for the control of cockroaches.

They can be packaged as pastes, gels, granules, or dusts. However granules and dust can only be supplied to horizontal structure, it is impossible to provide them to vertical structures.

Gels are mainly used in the pest-control industry for cockroaches. Insecticides formulated as gels are now the primary formulations used in cockroach control.

Gel baits can be applied directly to the locus where the pest is expected to occur in order to achieve ingestion or contact of insecticide compound with the pest to be controlled.

Gel baits can be packaged in syringes and cartridges or squeezable tubes, their application involves placement into small droplets into the environment to be disinfested as domestic environments (including kitchens); in processing areas, preparation and storage of food (professional kitchens, restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores, etc.).

The application of the drops of gel generally takes place in proximity to or inside of the cracks, along the hooves of floor, generally in places where there are cockroaches (behind furniture, shelves, under stoves, under sinks, behind refrigerators, inside ducts, electrical boxes, kitchen hoods, near a dishwasher motors, machines for drinks, water pipes, etc. and in the case of cockroaches, in all the dark crevices, moist and warm where environmental conditions favor the proliferation of cockroaches).

While they are fresh, bait gels are effective when placed in locations where they will be found by cockroaches. To remain effective, however, the gels need to be reapplied frequently.

For example , bait gels dehydrate in about 3 days when left in open air.

In addition, baits are very difficult to be evaluated for efficacy. Baits do not control all cockroaches equally. Female cockroaches with egg cases do very little feeding and avoid open spaces; consequently they are less likely to be immediately affected by a bait. Most insecticides used in baits are slow acting. Consequently an effective bait program does not give immediate results, but may take 7days or longer.

Therefore, monitoring the bait consumption and leaving traps in place and checking them regularly can help to confirm elimination, and give early warning of the presence of new cockroaches in time to control them before the population increases are important factor to succeed in the pest control.

Insecticides used in urban environments are almost always in proximity to people, pets, and food. As a result, there is also the need to efficiently eliminate the excess of unused bait to efficiently eliminate ensure that there is no excessive accumulation of toxic compound in the urban area.

It is an aim of the present invention, to provide improved baits for controlling harmful insects, in particular cockroaches. It is a further aim of the present invention, to provide a bait formulation having a quick action on the majority of cockroaches species . It is a further aim of the present invention, to provide a bait formulation which remains attractive for target insects over a long period. It is a further aim of this invention to provide a bait formulation which can be easily detected when re-inspecting treated sites, thus allowing to efficiently monitor dead insects that have eaten the bait and, eventually, to remove any portion of unconsumed bait.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The solution provided by the present invention is a gel bait comprising an insecticide active ingredient, gelling agents ,a food attractant component, and a fluorescent dye for controlling harmful insect, particularly cockroaches.

It has been surprisingly founded that the gel baits of the present invention are very and immediately effective on the majority of the cockroaches species over a long period. In addition the gel bait having the fuorescent dye can be easily detected, thus allowing to efficiently remove any portion of unconsumed bait and therefore they can be very efficacious in the pest control of cockroaches.

In a first aspect thereof, the invention provides a gel bait comprising an insecticide active ingredient, a food attractant component, a gelling agent and fluorescent dye in amounts effective for the control of cockroaches.

In a further aspect thereof, the invention provides to the use of such baits for controlling harmful insects, particularly cockroaches.

In a further yet aspect thereof, the invention provides a process for preparing such baits.

In a further aspect thereof, the invention provides a method for controlling harmful insects, particularly cockroaches.

In a further aspect of the invention it is provided a method of controlling harmful insects, particularly cockroaches, which comprisises placing the bait composition according to the invention at locations where said insects live or where they pass, and detecting not consumed bait by a UV lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.l shows mortality of Blattella germanica after application of gel bait of the Example 1. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.2 shows mortality of Blatta o entalis after application of gel bait of the Example 1. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.3 shows mortality of Supella longipalpa after application of gel bait of the Example 1. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.4 shows mortality of Blattella germanica gel bait of the Example 1 at the end of 3 months ageing period. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.5 shows mortality of Blatta o entalis after application of gel bait of the Example 1 at the end of 3 months ageing period. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.6 shows mortality of Supella longipalpa after application of gel bait of the Example lat the end of 3 months ageing period. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment). FIG.7 shows mortality of Blattella germanica after application of gel bait of the Example 1 at its end-storage time (3 years). Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.8 shows mortality of Blatta o entalis after application of gel bait of the Example 1 at its end-storage time (3 years). Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.9 shows mortality of Supella longipalpa after application of gel bait of the Example 1 at its end-storage time (3 years). Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.10 shows mortality of Pe planeta ame cana after application of gel bait of the Example 1 in Applicant's property field trial. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.ll shows mortality of Blattella germanica after application of gel bait of the Example 1 in bait box. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.12 shows mortality of Blatta o entalis of the Example 1 in bait box. Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.13 shows mortality of Blattella germanica after application of gel bait of the Example 1 in a bait box at its end-storage time (3 years). Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

FIG.14 shows mortality of Blatta o entalis after application of gel bait of the Example 1 in bait box at its end-storage time (3 years). Black circles represent the mortality (expressed in percentage %) of cockroaches observed at the indicated time-point (Days after treatment).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DEFINITIONS

All numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about."

It should be understood that the terms "a" and "an" as used herein refer to "one or more" of the enumerated components. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless otherwise stated, percentages in the present description are by weight.

As used herein, the terms "active ingredient(s) or insecticide active ingredient(s) refer to the chemicals in pesticide products that kill, control, or repel pests.

As used herein, the term "gelling agents" refers to a variety of hydrophilic substances used to form a gel by increasing the viscosity and yield point of liquid mixtures.

As used herein, the term "fluorescent colorant" or "fluorescent dye" refers to compounds emitting light during exposure to radiation from an external source of UV light.

As used herein, the term Sorbitol 70% refers to a solution of Sorbitol at 70 % by weigh in water.

As used herein, the terms "attractants" are inert ingredients that act in one or several of the following ways: a) entice the insect to approach the bait; bjentice the insect; c) to touch the bait; d) entice the insect to consume the bait; e) entice the insect to return to the bait.

Inert ingredients that are able to achieve these goals belong to the group of food attractants. Suitable insecticide active ingredients according to the invention include:

Imidaclo rid having the formula (I),

Fi ronil having the formula(III),

Spinosad A having the formula(IV),

indoxacarb having the formula(V),

and abamectin which is a mixture of avermectins containing more than 80% avermectin Bla and less than 20% avermectin Bib, having the formula(VI),

In one embodiment of the invention the active ingredient is Imidacloprid.

In one embodiment the amount of imidacloprid is from 0,001% to 6% by weight of the composition.

In a further embodiment the amount of imidacloprid is from 0,005 to 4% by weight of the compisition.

In another embodiment the amount of imidacloprid and more is from 0,5% to 3% by weight of the composition of gel bait for controlling cochroaches.

Examples of fluorescent dyes that can be used according to the present invention include by way of example Violet 45, Astral Pink 1 Strong Magenta 14, Cerise 13, Magenta 10, Laser Red 3, Strong Magenta 21, Flame Orange 4, Nova Red 2, Blaze 5, Fire Red 15, Arc Chrome 6, Solar Yellow7, Lunar Yellow 27, Stellar Green 8, Comet Blue 60, UV Blu T070, Invisible Blue 70 or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the fluorescent dye is selected from Invisible Blue 70, Astral Pink 1, or Laser Red 3 or a mixture thereof.

In one embodiment the fluorescent dye is Invisible Blue 70 .

Fluorescent dyes according to the invention are commercially available products.

Thus, for example Invisible Blue 70 can be supplied by Swada (7 Stanley Street Stalybridge, UK). In one embodiment, the amount of fluorescent dye is from 0,1% to 3% by weight of the composition.

In a further embodiment, the amount of fluorescent dye is from 0,3 to 2% by weight of the composition.

In a further yet embodiment the amount of fluorescent dye is from 0,5% to 1,0% by weight of the composition.

Gelling agents which may be of use according to the present invention include xanthan gums or polyacrylate polymers such as crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer, sodium polyacrylate or mixtures thereof.

Gelling agents according to the invention are commercially available. Thus, for example, Xanthan gums are commercialized as Rhodopol®G, Rhodopol®23, Rhodopol®50.

Rhodopol®G is granular and dust free grade of Xanthan Gum, which exhibits high pseudoplastic behavior effective thickening and stabilizing agent. It has rapid hydration properties without fish-eyes.

Rhodopol®23 is standard grade Xanthan Gum. It exhibits high pseudoplastic behavior and rapid hydration rate. Rhodopol®50 is Xanthan Gum that turns into viscous colloidal solution on dispersion in water. It exhibits high pseudoplastic behavior effective thickening and stabilizing agent.

These products are commercially available by Solvay, Bruxelles Belgium.

Polyacrylic acid polymer powder are commercialized as Carbopol® EZ-2. Carbopol® EZ-2 is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer powder. It is a highly efficient, self-wetting rheology modifier designed to impart thickening, stabilizing, and suspension properties to a wide range of home care and institutional products. This product are commercially available by Lubrizol Wickliffe, Ohio, United States.

Sodium polyacrylate is commercialized as Covacryl®. Covacryl® including Covacryl® MV60 or Covacryl® MV40 and they are sodium polyacrylate rheology modifier. These products are commercially available by Sensient Cosmetic Technologies Saint Ouen l'Aumone France.

In one embodiment of the invention, gelling agents are Rhodopol®23, Carbopol® EZ-2 or Covacryl MV60 or a mixture thereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention, gelling agents are Rhodopol®23 and Covacryl

MV60.

In an another embodiment, the amount of gelling agents is from 0,1 to 3% by weight of the composition.

In a further embodiment, the amount of gelling agents is from 0,5 to 2% by weight of the composition.

In an another embodiment, the amount of gelling agents is from 0,8 to 1,2% by weight of the composition.

Useful food attractants according to the invention include water, cereal powders such as wheat powder, maize powder, malts powder, rice powder, rice bran and the like, starches such as potato starch, maize starch and the- like, sugars such as sucrose such as brown sugar that is sucrose sugar product with a distinctive brown color due to the presence of molasses. It is either an unrefined or partially refined soft sugar consisting of sugar crystals with some residual molasses content (natural brown sugar), or it is produced by the addition of molasses to refined white sugar (commercial brown sugar), maltose, arabinose, galactose, lactose, sorbitose, glucose, fructose, isomalt sorbitol, Tecnosweet N3 (flavouring premixes combining high intensity natural sweeteners and sensory additives. It is a blend of natural extracts and polyols to increase sweetening power and the relative palatability commercially available by Tecnessenze s.r.l. Ca de Fabbri Minerbio Bologna Italy), corn syrup, maple syrup, coca cola syrup, invert sugars (Invertix), molasses, honey and the like, and glycerol and the like. Proteins such as meat, meat extracts, meat flavours and milk powder, fish meal, chicken meal, fish extracts or fish flavour, sea food, sea food extracts or sea food flavour, yeast, yeast extract and yeast, flavour and the like. Fruits such as apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, cherry, currant, gooseberry, grapefruit, raspberry, strawberry (pure, syrup or extract). Fats and oils such as vegetable oils from e.g. corn, olive, caraway, peanut, sesame oil, soy bean, sunflower, animal derived fats and fish derived oils and the like.

These food attractants can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more in any ratio. Preferred baiting attractants are water, sugars and proteins. Particularly preferred baiting substances are water, sucrose and fish flavour. Attractants which further may be mentioned by way of example are natural and artificial flavours such as licorice flavour, banana flavour, peanut butter flavour, onion flavour, milk flavour, butter flavour, cheese flavour and the like. These attractants can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more in any ratio.

In one embodiment of the invention, the attractant component is selected water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour or Sorbitol 70% or a mixture thereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the attractant components are water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour and Sorbitol 70%.

The gel baits according to the present invention may comprise, further adjuvants, e. g. one or more stabilizer, one or more repellent for those species which one does not want to ingest the bait, one or more antiseptic and the like.

Repellents which can be used according to the invention are, for example, hot or bitter agent such as Guinea pepper powder, denatonium benzoate and the like. A particularly preferred repellent is denatonium benzoate.

In one embodiment the repellent agent is denatonium benzoate.

In one embodiment the bitter agent is denatonium benzoate in an amount from 0,0001 to 0,1% by weight.

Antiseptics which may be mentioned are, for example, sorbic acid, sorbinates, benzoic acid, benzoates, paraoxybenzoic esters, methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, chloro methylisothiazolinone and the like. Particularly preferred antiseptics are sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, Acticide B20 and chloro methylisothiazolinone.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antiseptic agent is Acticide B20.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antiseptic agent is Acticide B20 in an amount from 0,05 to 1,0% by weight.

Acticide B20 is commercially available by Thor Group Limited Bramling House Bramling Canterbury Kent England.

It is further understood that some compounds of the baits according to the present invention may have more than one function, e.g. water may act as an attractant and a diluent at the same time. In one embodiment, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, and banana flavour, the fluorescent agent is Invisible blu 70.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour, the fluorescent dye is Invisible blu 70 and the gelling agents are Rhodopol® 23, and Covacryl MV60.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the gelling agents are Covacryl MV60 and Rhodopol®23, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour and sorbitol 70%, the fluorescent color is Invisible blu 70, the repellent agent is denatonium benzoate and the antiseptic agent is Acticide B20.

In a further embodiment of the invention, imidacloprid is present in an amount from 0,5% to 3,0% by weight, the gelling agents are Covacryl MV60, in an amount from 0,1% to 3,0% by weight and Rhodopol®23 in an amount from 0,1% to 3,0% by weight.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour, the fluorescent dye is Invisible blu 70 and the gelling agents are Rhodopol® 23 and Covacryl MV60, wherein

(i) the amount of Imidacloprid is from 0,5% to 3,0%by weight;

(ii) the amount of attractants is from 20,0 to 97,0% by weight;

(iii) the amount of the gelling agents is from 0,1% to 3,0% by weight;

(iv) the amount of the fluorescent dye is from 0,50% to 2,0% by weight.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the gelling agents are Covacryl MV60 and Rhodopol®23, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour and sorbitol 70%, the fluorescent color is Invisible blu 70, the repellent agent is denatonium benzoate and the antiseptic agent is Acticide B20, wherein

(i) the amount of Imidacloprid is from 0,5% to 3,0 %by weight;

(ii) the amount of attractants is from 20,0 to 97,0% by weight;

(iii) the amount of the gelling agents is from 0,1% to 3,0% by weight;

(iv) the amount of the fluorescent dye is from 0,50% to 2,0% by weight;

(v) the amount of the repellent agent is from 0,0001% to 0,1% by weight and

(vi) the amount of the antiseptic agent is from 0,05% to 0,1% by weight. In one another embodiment, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour or a mixture thereof, the fluorescent dye is Invisible blu 70.

In one embodiment, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour, the fluorescent color is Invisible blu 70, wherein

(i) the amount of Imidacloprid is from 0,001% to 0,1% by weight;

(ii) the amount of attractants is from 20,0% to 97,0% by weight;

(iii) the amount of the fluorescent dye is from 0,3% to 2,0% by weight. In a further embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour, sorbitol 70% or mixture thereof, the fluorescent color is Invisible blu 70, wherein

(i) the amount of Imidacloprid is from 0,001% to 0,1% by weight;

(ii) the amount of attractants is from 20,0% to 97,0% by weight;

(iii) the amount of the fluorescent dye is from 0,3% to 2,0% by weight.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the gelling agents are Covacryl MV60 and Rhodopol®23, the food attractants are selected from water, isomalt, brown sugar, corn starch, glycerol, Tecnosweet N3 powder, chicken meal, banana flavour and sorbitol 70%, the fluorescent color is Invisible blu 70, the repellent agent is denatonium benzoate and the antiseptic agent is Acticide B20, wherein

(i) Deionized water is in an amount from 10,0% to 40,0% by weigh ;

(ii) Covacryl MV60 is in an amount from 0,1% to 3,0% by weigh;

(iii) Rhodopol® 23 is in an amount from 0,1% to 3,0 % by weigh;

(iv) Isomalt is in an amount from 4,0% to 12,0% by weigh;

(v) Brown sugar is in an amount from 5,0% to 25,0% by weigh;

(vi) Glycerol is in an amount from 5,0% to 25,0%by weigh;

(vii) Sorbitol 70% is in an amount from 10,0% to 20,0% by weigh;

(viii) Imidacloprid is in an amount from 0,5% to 3,0% by weigh;

(ix) Corn starch is in an amount from 5,0% to 25,0% by weigh;

(x) Invisible blu 70 is in an amount from 0,50% to 1,0 %by weigh;

(xi) Chicken meal is in an amount from 1,0% to 15,0% by weigh;

(xii) Banana flavour is in an amount from 0,05% to 5,0 % by weigh;

(xiii) Tecnosweet N3 powder is in an amount from 0,05% to 5,0 % by weigh;

(xiv) Denatonium Benzoate is in an amount from 0,0001% to 0,1% by weigh and

(xv) Acticide B20 is in an amount from 0,05% to 1,0% by weigh. This invention also relates to a process for the preparation of baits which comprises making a liquid composition comprising a gelling agent, an insecticide active ingredient, an attractants and a fuorescent dye and then solidifying the liquid composition to produce a gel.

The baits according to the present invention can be used for controlling cockroaches by placing them in locations where the harmful insects live, or through which they pass, either in the form of baits alone or by placing them into suitable containers. Insecticide gels, according to the invention can be ready to use or alternatively can be packaged in syringes, cartridges or squeezable tubes and bait boxes.

Preferably, the baits are applied in life stock keeping facilities such as stables, pens or the like. Additionally, the baits may also be applied in areas where insects accumulate/ reproduce such as rubbish bins, garbage dumpsters, refuse areas and land fill sites. In a preferred embodiment, the baits are applied to vertical structures, such as walls, pillars, posts, feeding containers and boxes.

In an other preferred embodiment, the baits are applied onto targets such as cardboard or wooden sheets or the like to be hung up or placed in areas where insects accumulate. In an other preferred embodiment, the baits are applied in combination with conventional insect control products.

In a particular preferred embodiment the composition according to invention is packed inside a bait box, for protection from dust and sunlight. Bait box packaging also makes the product safer from any contact with children and pets.

Thus, in a further aspect, the invention provides a method for controlling cockroaches characterized in that, an effective amount of composition is packed into a bait box applied to an area in which the insect are liable to found.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling insects comprisises placing the bait composition according to the invention at locations where said insects live or where they pass, and detecting anconsumed bait by a UV-A-lamp such as a Wood's lamp.

A Wood's lamp is a lamp that emits long-wave (UV-A) ultraviolet light and not much visible light.

The bait according to the invention can be applied onto any surface: The bait can be applied out of a syringe or cartridge. The gel remains attractive to the insects and remains sticky to any surface for months.

The preferred application method is to apply the gel in droplets onto structures where the target insect may rest and feed. Immediately after application, the gel is attractive to the target insects which will approach the bait and settle to feed. Typically, insects will start to die after several minutes after uptake of the bait. The gel remains attractive to the insects and effective to kill insects for months although the gel will dry out to a certain degree and becomes dry to the touch.

The following examples illustrate the invention without limiting the scope thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Preparation of gel bait for controlling Cockroaches

Step 1 Preparation of Phase A mixture

Half of the amount of glycerol provided in table 1 was charged in a mixing vessel to which successively Rhodopol®23 was slowly added and the mixture was stirred to obtain a complete and homogeneous dispersion. Covacryl MV60 was added to the homogeneous dispersion and the mixture was stirred until to obtain complete and homogeneous dispersion.

Step 2

Isomalt, Brown sugar, sorbitol 70%, and glycerol were added at room temperature under stirring to a mixing vessel charged with water, after the complete solubilization of the ingredients, the imidacloprid was then added and the mixture was stirred until to obtain complete homogeneous dispersion. Phase A mixture was then added under stirring to obtain a homogeneous gel.

Corn starch, chicken meal, Tecnosweet N3 powder, denatonium benzoate, banana flavor, Acticide B20 and the fluorescent color Invisible blu 70 were then added and the mixture was stirred to obtain a homogeneous gel.

TABLE 1

Ingredients Function w/w%

,,¾ien ed water ©iuent/attractant 10,0-40,0

Covacryl MV60 Gelling agent 0,1-3,0

Rhodopol 23 Gelling agent 0,1-3,0

Isomalt Food attractant 4,0-12,0

Brown sugar Food attractant 5,0-25,0

Glycerol Food attractant 5,0-25,0

Sorbitol 70% Food attractant 10,0-20,0

Imidacloprid Active ingredient 0,5-3,0 Corn starch Food attractant 5,0-25,0

Invisible blu 70 Fluorescent color 0,50-1,0

Chicken meal Food attractant 1,0-15,0

Banana flavor Food attractant 0,05-5,0

Tecnosweet N3 powder Food attrantant 0,05-5,0

Denatonium Benzoate Bittering agent 0,0001-0,1

Acticide B20 Antiseptic 0,05-1,0

100,0

EFFICACY TESTS

The following tests were conducted following the guidelines provided by OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) updated to 2013 (Guidance document on assays for testing the efficacy of baits against cockroaches), according to the Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 and to the documentation issued by the European Committee (Technical Notes for Guidance) updated to 2013. Efficacy, according to OECD guidelines 2013, is usually considered sufficient if 90% mortality rate (corrected with Abbott's Formula) is achieved within the test duration (21 days).

Example 2

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 applied as fresh product

Materials and Methods

The efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 was evaluated after administration and spontaneous intake in a free choice semi-field test against Blattella germanica , Blatta o entalis , Supella longipalpa.

The gel is applied opening a brand new syringe by removing the cap and by pressing the syringe pump, touching the surface to be treated in order to apply it as droplets of 0.24grams. The product applied according to this procedure is called "fresh product" because it is immediately tested into arena after the opening of the syringe.

A population of 50 individuals, consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults and 30 nymphs was placed in plastic basins circular arenas, which contained water, food and a refuge. The cockroach population is leaved to acclimatize for 3 days before introducing the test material. Whenever insects at this point were found dead, they were replaced with others alive according to sex and developmental stage. The gel bait of Example 1 was placed inside the arenas for a period of 21 days. The accumulated percentage mortality of cockroaches was evaluated after every day. 3 replicates were done (Negative controls: 2).

Cockroaches in permanent supine position not responding to external stimuli (i.e., when touched with a pair of tweezers), were considered as dead. Insects in supine position slowly responding to external stimuli and those on ventral position exhibiting uncoordinated or sluggish movements were classified as moribund. If moribund animals did not die until day 21, a post treatment observation period of one week was taken to verify if these animals can recover or not. Dead insects, previously moribund, were in the affected group, otherwise recovered cockroaches were not be counted. During the observation period, moribund insects were offered standard food after having removed test bait.

Results

Average efficacy data against Blattella germanica are provided in Table 2 below and in Figure

1.

Table 2

Day Mean Efficacy (%) ± SEM

1 60.67 + 5.81

2 76.00 + 6.11

5 84.00 + 4.16

6 90.00 + 5.29

7 94.00 + 5.03

8 94.00 + 5.03

9 95.33 + 3.71

12 98.67 + 0.67

13 98.67 + 0.67

14 100.00 + 0.00

SEM= Standard Error of the Mean

The data of table 2 and in Figurel show that 100 % of Blattella germanica, has been killed inl4 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 6 days of treatment.

Efficacy data in respect to Blatta o entalis and Supella longipalpa are provided in Figure 2 and 3 respectively showing that 100% of Blatta o entalis has been killed in 12 days and that 100% of the latter specie has been killed in 15 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 6 days of treatment for both Blatta o entalis and Supella longipalpa.

Example 3

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 applied after 3 months of exposition at air in a room.

Materials and Methods

A population of 50 individuals, consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults and 30 nymphs was placed in plastic basins circular arenas, which contained water, food and a refuge. The cockroach population is leaved to acclimatize for 3 days before introducing the test material. Whenever insects at this point were found dead, they were replaced with others alive according to sex and developmental stage. The gel bait of Example 1 was placed inside the arenas for a period of 21 days. The accumulated percentage mortality of cockroaches was evaluated after every day. 3 replicates were done (Negative controls: 2).

Cockroaches in permanent supine position not responding to external stimuli (i.e., when touched with a pair of tweezers), were considered as dead. Insects in supine position slowly responding to external stimuli and those on ventral position exhibiting uncoordinated or sluggish movements were classified as moribund. If moribund animals did not die until day 21, a post treatment observation period of one week was taken to verify if these animals can recover or not. Dead insects, previously moribund, were in the affected group, otherwise recovered cockroaches were not be counted. During the observation period, moribund insects were offered standard food after having removed test bait.

The efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 was evaluated after administration and spontaneous intake in a free choice semi-field test against Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis, Supella longipalpa.

In order to evaluate the efficacy of the gel after 3 months of ageing after application, the gel was applied on small pieces (10 cm x 10 cm) of transparent PVC and left at room temperature for a period of 3 months before introducing it into test arenas. This operation was intended to simulate the exposure of a gel for 3 months to environmental condition. Indeed, PVCs containing 0.24 grams of gel were stored in a room at the following environmental settings: 25±1°C and 60 ±5% RH for 3 months.

At the end of the exposure, samples were then used to perform the residual efficacy tests.

Results Efficacy data in respect to Blattella germanica are provided in Figure 4, showing that 100% of this specie has been killed in 12 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 5 days of treatement.

Efficacy data in respect to Blatta o entalis are provided in Figure 5, showing that 91% of this specie has been killed in 21 days.

Efficacy data in respect Supella longipalpa are provided in Figure 6, showing that 100% of this specie has been killed in 16 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 6 days of treatement. Example 4

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 applied at end of 3 year storage period

Materials and Methods

A population of 50 individuals, consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults and 30 nymphs was placed in plastic basins circular arenas, which contained water, food and a refuge. The cockroach population is leaved to acclimatize for 3 days before introducing the test material.

Whenever insects at this point were found dead, they were replaced with others alive according to sex and developmental stage. The gel bait of Example 1 was placed inside the arenas for a period of 21 days. The accumulated percentage mortality of cockroaches was evaluated after every day. 3 replicates were done (Negative controls: 2).

Cockroaches in permanent supine position not responding to external stimuli (ie. when touched with a pair of tweezers), were considered as dead. Insects in supine position slowly responding to external stimuli and those on ventral position exhibiting uncoordinated or sluggish movements were classified as moribund. If moribund animals did not die until day 21, a post treatment observation period of one week was taken to verify if these animals can recover or not. Dead insects, previously moribund, were in the affected group, otherwise recovered cockroaches were not be counted. During the observation period, moribund insects were offered standard food after having removed test bait.

The efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 was evaluated after administration and spontaneous intake in a free choice semi-field test against Blattella germanica, Blatta o entalis, Supella longipalpa.

The gel was stored for 3 years in Applicant's warehouse at ambient temperature before being applied into test arenas.

Results Efficacy data in respect to Blattella germanica are provided in Figure 7, showing that 99% of this specie has been killed in 21 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 9 days of treatement.

Efficacy data in respect to Blatta o entalis are provided in Figure 8, showing that 98% of this specie has been killed in 21 days. 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is achieved after 19 days of treatement.

Efficacy data in respect Supella longipalpa are provided in Figure 9, showing that 100% of this specie has been killed in 21 days. 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is achieved after 14 days of treatement.

Example 5

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 applied as fresh product.

Materials and Methods

An independent trial was set up into a private building of Applicant's property known to be infested by P. Americana _^ The area was notoriously subject to re-invasion of Pe planeta ame cana from nearby sites, therefore being a good tool to verify the capacity of the gel to counteract different re-infestation events.

In order to estimate the population density in the infested areas, sticky traps were set out where cockroaches were expected to be observed. After having identified the amount of the infestation, gel bait was applied. The site was routinely checked in order to assess population reduction for 80 days.

Results

Efficacy data in respect to Pe planeta ame cana are provided in Figure 10, showing that 100% of this specie has been killed immediately after application and controlled for over80 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 5 to 8 days of treatment.

Example 6

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 within bait box applied as fresh product

Materials and Methods

The gel bait of Example 1 was placed into bait boxes manufactured by the Applicant for protection of the gel from dust and sunlight purposes. Morever, bait boxes make the product safer from any contact with children and pets. The bait box is made up of robust plastic material and has 3 openings to ensure a simultaneous entrance of multiple cockroaches. The openings that are "activated" by breaking the flaps have been studied to ease the entry of small [Blatella germanica) and large [Blatta o entalis) cockroaches. The size of the bait box has been studied to ensure simultaneous feeding inside the bait station of multiple insects.

A population of 50 individuals, consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults and 30 nymphs was placed in plastic basins circular arenas, which contained water, food and a refuge. The cockroach population is leaved to acclimatize for 3 days before introducing the test material. Whenever insects at this point were found dead, they were replaced with others alive according to sex and developmental stage. The gel bait of Example 1 into one bait boxes was placed into the arena for a period of 21 days. The accumulated percentage mortality of cockroaches was evaluated after every day. 3 replicates were done (Negative controls: 2).

Cockroaches in permanent supine position not responding to external stimuli (i.e., when touched with a pair of tweezers), were considered as dead. Insects in supine position slowly responding to external stimuli and those on ventral position exhibiting uncoordinated or sluggish movements were classified as moribund. If moribund animals did not die until day 21, a post treatment observation period of one week was taken to verify if these animals can recover or not. Dead insects, previously moribund, were in the affected group, otherwise recovered cockroaches were not be counted. During the observation period, moribund insects were offered standard food after having removed test bait.

The efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 was evaluated after administration and spontaneous intake in a free choice semi-field test against Blattella germanica and Blatta o entalis.

The gel in bait box is applied opening a brand new bait box by breaking its flaps. The product applied according to this procedure is called "fresh product" because it is immediately tested into arena after the "activation" of the bait box by breaking its flaps.

Results

Efficacy data in respect to Blattella germanica and Blatta o entalis are provided in Figure 11 and 12 respectively showing that 98% of Blattella germanica has been killed in 21 days and that 95% of Blatta ohentalis has been killed in 21 days. 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is achieved after 13 and 19 days of treatement, respectively. Example 7

Test of efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 within bait box applied at end of 3 year storage period

Materials and Methods The gel bait of Example 1 was placed into bait boxes manufactured by the Applicant for protection of the gel from dust and sunlight purposes. Morever, bait boxes make the product safer from any contact with children and pets. The bait box is made up of robust plastic material and has 3 openings to ensure a simultaneous entrance of multiple cockroaches. The openings that are "activated" by breaking the flaps have been studied to ease the entry of small [Blatella germanica) and large [Blatta o entalis) cockroaches. The size of the bait box has been studied to ensure simultaneous feeding inside the bait station of multiple insects.

A population of 50 individuals, consisting of 10 male and 10 female adults and 30 nymphs was placed in plastic basins circular arenas, which contained water, food and a refuge. The cockroach population is leaved to acclimatize for 3 days before introducing the test material.

Whenever insects at this point were found dead, they were replaced with others alive according to sex and developmental stage. The gel bait of Example 1 into one bait boxes was placed into the arena for a period of 21 days. The accumulated percentage mortality of cockroaches was evaluated after every day. 3 replicates were done (Negative controls: 2).

Cockroaches in permanent supine position not responding to external stimuli (ie. when touched with a pair of tweezers), were considered as dead. Insects in supine position slowly responding to external stimuli and those on ventral position exhibiting uncoordinated or sluggish movements were classified as moribund. If moribund animals did not die until day 21, a post treatment observation period of one week was taken to verify if these animals can recover or not. Dead insects, previously moribund, were in the affected group, otherwise recovered cockroaches were not be counted. During the observation period, moribund insects were offered standard food after having removed test bait.

The efficacy of the gel bait of Example 1 was evaluated after administration and spontaneous intake in a free choice semi-field test against Blattella germanica (Fig.13) and Blatta o entalis (Fig.14).

The bait box containing the gel was stored for 3 years in Applicant's property warehouse at ambient temperature before being applied into test arenas.

The gel in bait box is applied opening the stored bait box by breaking its flaps.Results

Efficacy data in respect to against Blattella germanica and Blatta ohentalis respectively are provided in Figure 13 and 14, showing that 100% of Blattella germanica has been killed in 12 days and 95% Blatta ohentalis has been killed in 12 days. Notably, 90% of efficacy, according to OECD Guidelines 2013, is fastly achieved after 9 days of treatement for Blattella germanica. The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore, the Examples herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way.